Chapter 315 Enemy''s Enemy Is Friend


    +8 Pearls


    "If there''s nothing else, I''ll be heading out." Kelly checked the time before turning to leave. "It''s lunchtime, so I won''t hold you up."


    Thea red at Kelly for a long moment, her face flushed with frustration, yet she couldn''t get a single word


    out.


    "You-" Vincent was just as stunned, momentarily speechless. He couldn''t understand why his warning had no effect. "Aren''t you worried about making things difficult for Zion in the circle?"


    "I''m a doctor. My only concern is treating patients. As for the so-called circle you mentioned, I neither understand nor care about it. If Zion has the guts to take over Lockhart Group, then he has what it takes to run it.”


    Kelly shifted her gaze to Vincent. "In infectious disease research, we know that when a host carries a powerful virus capable of long-term coexistence, other viruses struggle to infect it."


    Vincent frowned, clearly not following her point..


    "Even viruses understand the importance of symbiosis. Surely, a wealthy family like yours does, too. If you''re trying to use the Lockharts to pressure me, it won''t work. Right now, the cost of open conflict between the Brooks and Lockhart Group is simply too high."


    She then turned to Thea and continued, "Zion is short-tempered, headstrong, and reckless. If you provoke him, he won''t hold back. Given the Lockharts'' resources, I''d say the Brooks would be the first to fall. With the wealth and connections Sylvester left him, along with the Hardisons'' support, Zion isn''t going to lose this battle."


    Vincent stiffened, staring at Kelly in shock.


    Her words struck a nerve. Deep down, he knew Wade had left because he wasn''t truly concerned. Wade saw through Vincent''s attempt to intimidate Zion and Kelly and believed there was no real threat.


    Vincent had assumed that Zion, fresh out of the military and unfamiliar with corporate politics, would be forced topromise under pressure. Yet, not only was Zion standing firm, but even Kelly-a doctor- refused to back down.


    Perhaps the foundation Sylvester hadid for Zion was stronger than he thought. "Vincent..." Thea whined as Kelly walked away.


    She wasn''t used to being put in her ce. After beingpletely shut down by Kelly, she hadn''t even managed to argue back. "She didn''t even apologize to me."


    Vincent massaged his temples. "I''ve heard that medical students are cold- hearted, used to dealing with life and death. They even dissect cadavers. Why did you have to mess with her?"


    A flicker of unease crossed Thea''s face, and she fearfully pursed her lips. "She works with dead bodies all the time. No wonder she seems so creepy."


    "Just delete your post. Once the attention dies down, it''ll all blow over. We can''t afford to start a full-on feud with the Lockharts. We''ll take it one step at a time." Vincent had no intention ofpletely breaking ties. He would proceed carefully and teach Zion, the inexperienced rookie, a lesson in respect.


    "I don''t want to," Thea said stubbornly.


    15:38 Thu, 15 May


    Chapter 315 Enemy''s Enemy Is Friend


    +8 Pearls


    Vincent sighed and decided to pacify her for now. As he sat down, he pulled out his phone and messaged his assistant. "Are my medical test results back yet?"


    "Mr. Brooks, the results aren''t looking good. Multiple viruses were detected. I suggest scheduling a follow-up exam."


    Vincent''s expression darkened as he ran a hand over his forehead. He h made some reckless choices in the past-indulging in high-risk behavior whileworking in elite circles.


    But how had Kelly figured it out? Could she truly tell just by looking at his face and neck?


    Those medical students did have some unsettling skills.


    "Stay here and get your IV. I need to step out for a bit," Vincent said before leaving. He needed to make an appointment and discreetly track down Kelly.


    For the Brooks, reputation was everything. Even though Vincent had been managing the family affairs for eight years, his father still hadn''t fully handed over control.


    Vincent''s biggest concern was avoiding any damaging scandals.


    Kelly had uncovered his weakness, and if she exposed his medical condition, it


    would be a disaster. His reputation, thepany, and his standing with his family would all take a serious hit.


    "Vincent, make Kelly apologize to me!" Thea demanded angrily.


    Vincent inhaled sharply. That wasn''t an option-not when Kelly held such dangerous leverage over him.


    "Alright, I''ll handle it," he said, offering vague reassurance while trying to figure out what Kelly''s next move might be.


    Shortly after Vincent left, rissa and Regina walked in.


    Regina and Thea were ssmates in junior high school. Though they had never


    been close, their history still made them acquaintances.


    "Thea, how are you feeling?" Regina asked with a polite smile as she stepped inside. "Are you in any difort?"


    Thea barely spared her a nce before straightening up, her tone indifferent. "I''m fine."


    rissa smiled at Thea. "Kelly truly crossed the line this time."


    She intended to get closer to Thea. After all, alliances weren''t about feelings but shared interests.


    Before Zion returned, Wade had openly named rissa as the future hostess of Lockharts. Thea had made sure to challenge her-sometimes subtly, sometimes outright-at public gatherings. Since Thea was both a Brooks and a public figure, rissa had been forced to tolerate her. Thea was spoiled and difficult, but not a real threat, so rissa had ignored her.


    But now, things were different. They had amon enemy-Kelly.


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